We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

This is our second trip to paris, the first being 15 years ago. We’ve seen most of the “must see” places so there will be a few of the major sights missing (louvre, d’orsay, arch, etc). we had to buzzed thru the other areas last time and now want to explore them again at a more relaxing pace. Although I always do a “schedule”, I rarely stick to them verbatim, just more of a general plan. Also, If anyone has a great champagne bar idea (that isn't Flute), it would be very much appreciated.

Afternoon - walk to Musee l’Orangerie and Tulleries. After, go to O’Chateau for wine tasting, DH really wants to do this and seems like it could be fun and somewhat educational, who doesn’t want to learn AND drink at the same time?! I know it’s touristy, but I want to learn more about French wines

Evening - dinner someplace in general area, Rue Rivoli (suggestions appreciated). After dinner, head back to hotel across Pont des Arts and hopefully see tower lighting.

Late afternoon/evening – Batabus to Eiffel tower/trocadero. Have pre dinner drinks someplace (?), wander around, take pictures, be happy. Dinner in the area. Walk back to hotel along the Seine. From what I understand, that is a safe walk at night, correct?

Late afternoon/evening – walk across to Ile de la Cite, wine bar and appetizers. Walk to Ile St. Louis and just look around. Back over the bridge (maybe to Pantheon) then to the Latin Quarter for dinner.

Tuesday:

If we feel like getting up, Notre Dame towers.

If not (probably the case), breakfast near and then enjoy Luxenburg Gardens, St. Sulpice and Montparnasse tower. Metro to Invalides and sightsee. Rue Cler for shopping and picnic supplies and head to Champ De Mars, relax with wine and picnic.

Evening – dinner and wandering near hotel. Pack for London.

Wednesday - flight from orly to London city airport.

I do need to fit in the Galleries Lafayette (rooftop terrace, glass of champagne) and Opera. Thinking maybe fit that in after Musee l’Orangerie and before wine tasting on saturday? Honestly, we are not big museum people so won’t be spending a great deal of time there, however, really want to see Water Liles.

I have used the TA City Guide app for Paris and have bookmarked several cafes/bistros in each area but would be very much open to suggestions especially near the Eiffel Tower area. Really, I’m open to any suggestions the Paris experts have. I’ve gleaned so much information from all your responses and advise to others, you’ve practically planned this trip already!!! Thanks so much again. More questions to follow I’m sure.

My favorite cafe of the whole trip was the Café Saint-Régis, right on the bridge that goes to the Île de la Cité. Maybe it was the friendly waiter, maybe it was the fact that I was really tired, but I thought my cheese plate (served with my favorite baguette of the trip and a glass of red wine) was perfect.

Berthillon: There are plenty of places that serve Berthillon ice cream, but the mothership is right there at 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île (also a fun window-shopping street). I was particularly taken with their extra dark chocolate and pear flavors, though in the past I've loved their cassis as well (not available the day I went). And it's the only place I've seen licorice ice cream in a very very long time.

Asm, first, I was so happy to see your response!!! Second, is that a new aviator?

Thank your for the cafe st Regis recommendation, it will be a for sure stop. Although I've read about berthillon, I totally forgot about it!!! As much as I love champagne, that's how much my husband loves ice cream and licorice sounds incredible!!

I really tried not to cram too much into each day since I know on our way someplace, we'll find something that will pique our interest and put us on a detour. Plus, being August, I'm sure some places will be closed so I'll have to fill in with more cafe stops!! Thanks again for your input!

Yep, new avatar. My old one was a beautiful spot in Maine (my other favorite place). But I was in the mood for something Parisian, especially since I'm spending so much time on this forum right now. #reentry

Report inappropriate content

Still have questions?Post your own question so other travellers can help.

I totally get that, the jet lag and all. While it does effect me somewhat, as long as I'm active (raising a glass to my mouth I'm going to consider active:-) and engaged I should be good. Might end up asleep at the dinner table though. Thanks for the input, as we all know, sometimes the best laid plans.......:-)

Is Flute supposed to be that horrendous? I was planning to go there..... I believe La Ciel has a champagne bar. You can google champagne bars Paris to find some suggestions. I'm not sure if any of the others serve flights though.

On Saturday when you are at the Ile de la Cite, why not jusrtexplore the Ile de la Cite? You seem to keep returning to it throughout your itinerary. Also, on your first trip, did you not experience the Champs de Mars? Because it seems to me like you were on the right track with either the Bastille area or the Canal St Martin.

we didn't really get to the tower area at all on our previous visit. One of my "paris fantasies" is a picnic there, can't really say why, just something I guess I've always wanted to do. Is there a lot to do/explore in the st. Martin-Bastille area? I've read posts that say its not an area that one would spend hours exploring. We will for sure be exploring the ile de la cite Saturday morning and really only plan to go back one more evening for a short time as there is a wine bar I'd like to visit. Thanks so much for your advise, I appreciate the post!!